Scotland export over 1.2 billion bottles of whisky in the last year, according to new figures

09:23, 11 Apr 2014

Updated 15:46, 29 Apr 2014

ByScotland Now

NEW figures released by the Scotch Whisky Association have shown a three per cent rise in the number of bottles sold overseas in 2013.

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Over 1.2 billion bottles of Scotch whisky were sent overseas last year

THE amount of whisky exported from Scotland increased last year as over 1.2 billion bottles were sent overseas, new figures have revealed.

According to figures released by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) there has been a three per cent increase in the volume of exports, with the equivalent of 1,228,559,804 bottles being sent abroad to be sold last year, up from 1,198,547,504 in 2012.

However, the value of whisky exports dropped slightly from more than £4.27 billion in 2012 to just under £4.26 billion in 2013.

The whisky industry accounts for about 85 per cent of Scotland's food and drink exports, and nearly a quarter of the UK total.

Exports of the drink to America were worth almost £820 million last year, up by 8 per cent from 2012 to a record high.

It was also a record year for whisky exports to India, with the value growing by 11.5 per cent to almost £69 million.

There was also a 38 per cent increase in the value of exports to Poland, with these reaching £60 million last year.

Exports to Brazil and Mexico grew by almost a fifth, with their value reaching £110 million in Mexico and £99 million in Brazil.

But in some parts of Asia exports were not as strong as in previous years, with the SWA citing slower economic growth and austerity measures for the drop.

The value of exports to both Japan and South Korea fell by 15 per cent, while in Taiwan the value dropped by 12.5 per cent and China fell out of the top 20 export markets in 2013 after the value dropped by almost 30 per cent to £51 million.

SWA chief executive David Frost said while overall exports remained "strong", the industry was facing some "economic headwinds" in the short term.

He added that whatever the result of September's independence referendum, the whisky sector would continue to need the support of an "effective diplomatic network" overseas.

Mr Frost said: "Scotch whisky exports remain strong and the industry's impressive performance makes a major contribution to the UK's trade performance. The unprecedented investment programmes in Scotch whisky by producers show that in the long term they are confident that demand will continue to grow.

"However, in the short run, there are some economic headwinds. Formal and informal barriers to trade remain. We should remember that the industry's success does not come automatically but is based on hard work, investment and careful stewardship.

"As a former ambassador, I know that the industry also depends on strong political support from government, for example to influence European Union negotiations on our behalf or to press other countries to allow better access to their markets. Both the UK and Scottish governments have played an important role in this so far.

"Whatever the outcome of the Scottish referendum, as an industry exporting to around 200 markets we will continue to need the backing of an effective diplomatic network with the necessary global reach, commercial expertise, and capacity to influence."

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael added: "These figures show that Scotch whisky continues to excel on a world stage. It is one of our country's finest exporting success stories and a benchmark of what can be achieved by combining Scottish excellence with UK influence.

"The Scotch Whisky Association says that the industry needs strong political support, influence within the corridors of power in Brussels and an effective global diplomatic network. Scotland as part of the UK delivers for the Scotch whisky industry both at home and abroad.

"As part of the Budget we froze the duty on whisky and scrapped the alcohol escalator, in Europe we exert our influence as a large member state to put the interests of Scotch whisky at the heart of free trade agreement negotiations. Across the globe challenges remain, and with our extensive, diplomatic, trade and consular network, we will continue to support Scotchwhisky exports, working hard to break down trade barriers and defend it against counterfeits. The recent launch of our Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme reflects this.

"With large investment programmes under way and plans for new distilleries continuing to emerge, it is clear that the UK Government is providing the support that the Scotch whiskyindustry needs to be confident and secure in the years ahead."